Yes, it is excellent for getting your heart rate up. According to the manual, for my age, my target heart rate should be around 100. This is easily achievable. You get what you put into the machine because you are using your own body for resistance, however the machine was so well developed that the workout is "comfortable". It is so much fun to do, much more exciting than walking in place. It keeps your interest by doing various exercises so you are not bored. And it is easy on the joints and the rest of your body. Plus if you purchase it from Wal-Mart.com like I mentioned earlier it is not a huge financial investment. Oh, and by the way, it folds up so if your limited to space it can easily be stored. By the way, can you give me an overview of what body for life is and how it works? I have heard it mentioned other places on the website and I am really curious. I went to the website for it but I was unable to gather any real good information on the program.